Saturday, March 24, 2012

Quiet: the Power of Introverts in a World that Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain

Quiet: the Power of Introverts in a World that Can't Stop Talking
I loved this book because it validated so much of what I am--an introvert.
Our culture favors extroversion and looks down on introverts. The author challenges both introverts who may need to develop skills to have a successful life in an extrovert oriented culture and extroverts to learn to appreciate the unique attributes that introverts can bring.
I found the first section very interesting in talking about how we have moved from a Culture of Character which values virtue and wisdom to a Culture of Personality which values American Idol. The second section discusses many the biological factors of introversion and extroversion. The third section discusses Asian cultures which place more value on quiet, studious ness, humility, and careful thoughtfulness. The fourth section is very helpful because of the advice for living with extroverts and raising and teaching introverted children.